The bright sunshine and long hot summer days are great, and are an important part of summer. Staying active in the heat makes it all the better, whether you’re on the lake fishing, enjoying a long bike ride or playing some ultimate Frisby on parliament hill, it’s great to be outside! It’s important we take a moment before we go out to make sure we’ve considered some summer safety.

Hotter weather and higher UV days can be dangerous if not treated with respect and a bit of pro activity. The daily UV index is a scale to help people with day to day sun protection. The way it works is if someone of fair skin, without a tan or sunscreen, takes normally 30 minutes to burn at a UV of 6 then at a UV of 12 it would only take 15 minutes. Some UV is beneficial for human health but even a UV of 3 is cause enough to wear sunglasses and a hat. The peek hours of intense UV exposure is between 10-4 and during those times it’s best to find shade, cover up and use sun screen.

The heat is what makes summer worth while. When you check the thermometer it’s important to consider the humidex, so you can make sure the day doesn’t get the better of you. Heat exhaustion, heat stroke and dehydration are conditions that need to be taken seriously and the young and old are most vulnerable. Some side effects to look out for are:

a body temp >100 degrees

Muscle weakness

Altered mental state or behavior

Alteration or stopped sweating

Nausea and vomiting

Flushed/ red skin

Headache

Racing heart rate and rapid breathing

If you find yourself with these symptoms it’s imperative that you seek shade, cool yourself down and begin drinking water immediately.

This summer when you’re out and about enjoying the season It’s important to look after yourself and your loved ones. Our health is our own responsibility and diligence is needed to make the best of the summer season and stay healthy.